We're heading of to Mt Kenya at the end of the year with plans to ascend the SW Ridge of Batian and come down the standard route on Nelion. Does anyone out there know what sort of conditions we are likely to find on this route? A recent RD? Recommendations on gear and boots?Any comments will be appreciated.

I did it a few years ago. In big boots. The crux was a good, sustained, pitch which felt quite tricky in big boots, but the rest was much easier. We managed to top out, cross to Nelion, and descend the same day. I'd suggest scouting the start the day before so that you don't waste too much time in the dark. I'd certainly do that route again.